Hurricanes are a deadly force that can rip your house apart in no time. They can do incredible amounts of damage to your roof, leading to potential water damage and other more serious issues.
In this article, we have put together eight Top Tips for a Hurricane-Proof Roof, there are some simple steps that you should take in order to help your roof withstand the storm.
What are the best ways to make your roof hurricane-proof?
Choose the Slope and Shape of Your Roof Wisely
The shape and slope of your roof are important determining factors in how well your roof will fare against a hurricane. You’ll want to choose something that can withstand the extreme winds you’ll face during a hurricane. The slopes should allow the wind to go up and around the roof instead of prying the roof off.
Your roof should have at least four sloped edges to keep it hurricane-proof. However, the best hurricane-proof roof is hexagon or octagon-shaped; these can withstand the wind better than homes with only a few panels.
Consider the Material of Your Roof
The material your roof is made from is just as important as the shape of your roof. If your area is prone to strong windstorms and hurricanes, then you may want to consider metal roofing for your home.
Metal roofs are some of the best types of roofs for withstanding hurricanes. Their paneling is secure, and if installed properly, is almost entirely waterproof. They are also so secure that they are unlikely to be blown off by heavy winds.
Regular Maintenance for a Hurricane-Proof Roof
No matter how high quality your roof is, you should still take the time to perform regular maintenance measures to ensure it is structurally sound. You should call a professional at least once a year to perform maintenance. That way, if your roof has sustained any damage that you were unaware of, it can be taken care of before a hurricane or a storm hits.
You can do regular maintenance yourself by inspecting your roof after heavy storms as well. If you notice that your roof is damaged, call your local roofer right away.
Hurricane Straps
Even with all of your prep work, there’s still a chance that your home could be at risk. Hurricane straps are a great way to secure your roof and your home’s foundation during a hurricane. There are various different types of hurricane straps that are installed in unique ways.
If you are considering installing hurricane straps on your home, it’s crucial that you talk to a professional before making the installation. They can guide you on what type of straps you should get and help you install them properly.
Inspect for Loose Shingles
Once you’ve given the underside of your roof an inspection, it’s time to get on top of the roof and look at the shingles. You’ll want to make sure that none of them are loose or damaged. The storm is likely to tear off any loose shingles, leaving your home unprotected and susceptible to damage. Therefore, inspecting for Loose Shingles is one of the most important top tips for a Hurricane-Proof Roof
Secure any loose shingles you find before the storm hits. That way, you’ll be less likely to experience damage.
If you are looking to replace the shingles on your roof, metal shingles are the best hurricane-proof roof shingles that you can look into. They are secure and can easily protect your home from water damage.
Study Your Insurance Policy
Unfortunately, you may be unable to prevent damage from a hurricane. You should thoroughly inspect your insurance policy to see what your coverage is. Some insurance policies don’t cover hurricane damage, so it’s crucial to look over your coverage before disaster strikes.
Our team strives to make the entire process as seamless and stress-free as possible. So, whenever you need professional support for roof damage or roof storm damage insurance claims, give us a call or book a Free Roofing Inspection.
Reinforce Your Roof to Make it a Hurricane-Proof Roof
For further protection, you can reinforce your roof from the inside. If you have an attic, you can inspect the underside of the roof for any holes or cracks. Try to determine if any spots seem fragile or damaged; these are the areas you’ll want to reinforce more heavily.
You should also inspect for mold or water damage. These areas are more likely to give way during a hurricane, which could lead to further damage during the storm.
Keep Your Yard Clean
While the condition of your roof is important, you should also keep your yard clean of anything that could cause damage. Make sure to trim any large branches from around your home; they could easily fall onto your roof and deal some serious damage.
If a storm is headed your way, you should also pick up any loose debris around your yard that could damage your roof. Even if your roof is fine on its own, any number of projectiles could damage it during the store.
Schedule an Inspection Before Hurricane Season
Once you’ve finished preparing your home and covered some, or all, of the Top tips for a Hurricane-Proof Roof, you should schedule an inspection with a professional. They can warn you about anything you missed and help you make important roof repairs before a storm takes your roof apart.
No matter how well you believe you’ve inspected your roof, you may still miss something. Roofers have a keen eye for detail and will be able to point out anything you missed so that your home won’t be at risk.
Protect Your Home following the Top Tips for a Hurricane-Proof Roof
Follow these top tips for a hurricane-proof roof and remember to give your roof a thorough inspection regularly to assess for damage. That way, you won’t be caught off guard if a storm hits. When in doubt, you should call a professional roofer for a second opinion.
Do you need help preparing your roof against hurricane damage?
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We’re here to help. Contact us with any questions or concerns you have about hurricane-proofing your roof and continue reading our blog for more helpful tips!
Signs of hail damage can be very obvious, or very difficult to spot sometimes.
It takes a professional eye to recognize these signs on your roof. Commercial property owners are oftentimes surprised by how much damage comes from a brief storm.
Ignoring the damage can lead to more costs and a bigger headache for you down the road.
In this video, Matt will go over signs to help you discover any roof hail damage done to your commercial roof.
Hey guys this is Matt with Trinity Roofing and Restoration.
One of the easiest ways to tell if your property has sustained hail damage is by looking at the HVAC coils.
With all these coils here, you can see all the little dents and divots, that are tell-tale signs of hail damage. We can start looking at the rest of the membrane to see if he was dented, bruised spider, or otherwise broken from hail.
This looks like it’s pretty small hail, judging by the discoloration probably been here a while.
Maybe the roof has been replaced since this hail, and the unit hasn’t. But will start looking at that, noticing all the way around on the gutters, scuppers all the flashings as well.
Signs of hail damage on flashing
Signs of Hail Damage on TPO or Membrane
Hail Damage to the AC unit.
Signs of Hail Damage on Your HVAC Unit.
But a big easy way to tell is by looking at your HVAC unit. So if your HVAC unit or, your HVAC tech ever says your unit needs to be re-coil because of hail. You probably need to have us out to look at the rest of the roof and make sure there are no more damaging effects on the roof itself.
This is another one of the items were going to look at while doing your commercial inspection on your TPO or modified membrane or any other kind of membrane on your commercial property will come out and take a look at that as well.
Matt with Trinity Roofing and Restoration. Call: 281-782-7116
Has the thought of a roof replacement got you down? Did your roof get into a fight with mother nature and lose?
Remember, all is not lost. If you need an emergency roof repair from hurricane damage or storm damage, there are steps you can take to make the process go smoothly.
You can even take steps right away to mitigate the damages and save yourself a lot of money and stress.
So don’t panic if hurricane damage has ravaged your roof! Sit down, read this guide, find out precisely what you should do and how to sort through the insurance mess!
What to Do First
The first thing you need to do is stay calm. You can’t sort anything out when you’re running around and panicking. Often the damage looks worse than it is.
Your next step is to protect your home as best you can and minimize damage to the inside of your home. Cover any holes in your main living areas with plastic tarps, and for more significant leaks, set up buckets to collect the water.
If there is a lot of water seeping from all areas of your roof, then it’s a good idea to find your breaker and switch the power off. You don’t want water getting into your electrical system, costing you even more money!
Now you can thoroughly assess the damage to your home and how safe it is to remain there. You may need to find somewhere safe to stay in the meantime.
And remember, if you’re not a professional roofer, don’t go up there trying to fix things by yourself. An emergency roof repair is a situation when you need to call a professional company that knows precisely what they’re doing.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Next, contact your insurance company and file an insurance claim. Most of the time, standard homeowner insurance policies will cover at least some roof damage caused by a storm.
You’ll need to talk to your insurance company about what your specific policy covers. Depending on the area you live in, you could pay a higher deductible.
A good thing to know is if your policy offers a hurricane deductible, it only applies if the National Hurricane Center declares a hurricane warning.
Don’t forget that insurance companies won’t cover all types of roof damage, and not all insurance companies will pay for a complete roof replacement. Some may only pay for a patch job or minor roof repairs.
Once you contact your insurance company, they’ll send out an insurance adjuster to perform a complete roof inspection.
Next, most insurance companies will ask you to get at least three estimates for a roof repair and a replacement cost.
Though sometimes, insurance companies will directly work with a company to make the repairs for you.
When it comes to your roof repairs, make sure you find a licensed residential roofing contractor.
Do your research. You want to avoid companies that pop up overnight after a major storm rolls through.
They’ll appear in neighborhoods and try to convince people they can offer inexpensive roof repairs. And once they get your deposit, they hit the road, never to be seen again.
While there are no national licensing requirements for roofing contractors in the US, individual states require roofing contractors to have a license. You can check out your state’s requirements here to get started.
Once you find three companies you like, take your research to Google. Find out what their past customers are saying about the quality of their work.
Now you’ve found a company you like, make a list of questions to ask like:
How long the company has been in business
If they have references or examples of their work
How much do they charge for an estimate
What their safety record is like
If they offer a way for you to terminate the contract
Don’t be afraid to ask all the questions you need to ask. A good roofing company won’t hesitate to explain everything thoroughly.
Your Roof Estimate
It’s also important to know what’s involved in a roof estimate. A knowledgeable roofing company will provide you a detailed estimate with information like:
The total cost, including materials, labor, permits, and cleanup and removal, should be listed clearly on the estimate.
A roof estimate should also list all payment information that clearly explains what your insurance company covers costs. Every payment detail should be included, from down payments and insurance payments to payment methods.
Next, it should include the estimated time it will take to complete the project. Keep in mind, though; this can change if more damage is found after the repairs begin.
An excellent company will list the materials and explain in detail what types of shingles, underlayment, and sealants are used. They’ll even include the types of fasteners, nails, and product brands too.
You should also see a complete description of the work they plan to do and what days the repairs will occur.
Warranty details are a must, so don’t sign any contracts without them. Usually, lifetime warranties offer the most coverage when the roof is still new, and the coverage decreases over time as your roof ages.
Finally, be sure to check for the company’s licensing and liability insurance information. This is important to remember as you want coverage in case any accidents or injuries occur.
When you need an emergency roof repair from hurricane damage, then talk to the professionals at Trinity Roofing and Restoration.
For over ten years, Trinity Roofing and Restoration has provided roofing services in Houston, Texas.
So don’t let your roof repair problems get you down. We offer free exterior roof inspections and can guide you through the complicated insurance process.
Make sure you contact us today for a new and improved roof tomorrow!
Roof hail damage could be hard to be detected from the ground or the outside of the property. When a hailstorm hits your area, is recommended that you have a professional roofer take a look at the property. They have a keen eye to spot roof hail damage or any other problems that could arise from it. In this video, Matt explains some of the additional problems that resulted as a consequence of a recent hailstorm in Sugar Land, TX.
Matt is a resident of the area and has been a homeowner in this area for many years. His company Trinity Roofing and Restoration has been a trusted roofing company in Sugar Land, TX for over a decade.
What’s going on with Sugar Land we’re here in my hometown, I wasn’t born here but I got here. We’re finishing up this bad boy, stuff coming down off the roof there, and we are just about wrapping it up. Is not even four o’clock yet we are starting to pack up, clean up, and get it all done. If you guys need something you know where to find me, we’re on a roof here in Sugar Land finishing this one up. You guys,I hope you’re not going to get rained out today, it’s been so beautiful today to get rained on now, but we’ll see what happens.
Hailstorm Caused Roof Hail Damage Problems in Sugar Land.
This homeowner in Sugar Land had roof hail damage as a result of a hailstorm that came through and knocked up the house a little bit, so we got the roof replaced and formed, and after we have to worry about all the leaks. They had a ton, of decking issues all around the starter and the perimeter of their roof.
It’s very important you guys had your roof built to code and spec and the manufacturer spec. Cause if they’ve done that the first time when they built this roof, it probably won’t have that much decking that had to be replaced. But no matter, we got this one done, making the split, guys are packing up, cleaning it up, and getting it all taken care of.
So, Sugar Land if you have roof hail damage issues, storm issues, or you want to find out if you have storm or roof issues call us! CALL NOW:281.782.7117
We’ll come up take a look at it for you, and let you know what we find. If anything, we can fix it, if we don’t find anything we can let you know that too. That is why Trinity Roofing and Restoration is a trusted roofing company in Sugar Land, TX.
You have a good one I’m headed to the next one, you all have a great day, and I will shoot you guys a video on either Wednesday or Thursday for our next one depending on how the weather cooperates with us you have a good one, dad bought out.
According to chron.com Sugar Land, TX was named one of America’s Safest Cities in 2015. Houston Chronicle. Sugar Land is a city just southwest of Houston, Texas.
Did you know that on average there are 106 rainy days every year in the US?
If you have a roof leak then all of that rain is soon going to end up inside your home, causing damage and costing you money.
When you have a leaking roof, there are steps you can take to minimize the damage.
Read on to learn more.
Signs of a Leaking Roof
Your roof may be leaking for some time before you even discover there’s a problem. At this point, a lot of damage may have already occurred.
That’s why it’s important to be able to recognize some of the signs of a leaking roof as early as possible.
Water Stains
If you have water stains on your ceilings or walls, then this is a good sign that there is a leak. The sooner you can spot these stains, the better, so be sure to regularly give your ceilings a quick glance to see if you can spot any issues.
Dripping
Can you hear dripping when you’re lying in bed at night? It could be a plumbing issue, but it may also be a leak in your roof.
One of the most common causes of roof problems is shiners. These are nails that have missed the frame of your roof and come through into your home. These nails frost up and then thaw, leading to dripping water.
Mold
Mold is a sure sign of excess moisture. Whether you have mold inside your home or growing on your roof or home exterior, the cause may very well be a leaking roof.
If you think you have a leak, the next task is to find it. This can be easier said than done; some leaks will be obvious, but others may take some hunting for.
First off, take a look at your roof, and look for anywhere where tiles are worn, missing, or buckled. Areas, where objects penetrate your roof, are often the sources of leaks, so look carefully at chimney flashing, roof vents, and other potential hotspots to ensure everything is in order.
If you still can’t find the source, then it’s time to safely climb onto the roof, and use a hose to soak small areas of the roof at a time. Keep the hose running for a few minutes, and get a helper inside to look for any signs of a leak.
Work your way over the whole surface of the roof and you should be able to narrow down the location of the problem. You can then inspect more closely to find exactly where the leak is coming from.
What to Do About a Leaking Roof
Once you’ve tracked down the source of the leak, you need to take action before more damage occurs. The sooner you act, the better.
Contain the Problem
The most important thing to do is stop the leak from causing any more damage to your home.
If there is a drip, put a large container underneath to catch the water. Be sure to check on the container regularly so that you can empty it before it starts to overflow.
If the leak is more widespread, use a waterproof tarpaulin to try to stop the leak from penetrating any further into your home.
Make Minor Repairs
If the repair is simple then it should be something you can handle yourself.
If the issue is a shiner, for example, then all you’ll need to do is use some pliers to clip off the exposed end of the nail. The head of the nail itself should maintain a seal.
Be very wary of trying to make repairs on the outside of your roof; you should always take great care when working at height.
Try to Patch Things Up
If a simple repair isn’t possible, you can try to put temporarily patch up the problem area to reduce the leak until it can be properly dealt with.
This could be something as simple as a piece of waterproof sheeting or even a plastic bag nailed down over the damaged area, to stop any water from entering. Obviously, this is only a stopgap measure, and should not be used as a permanent solution.
You can also buy temporary roof patches from hardware stores which will offer more substantial protection. Again, the keyword here is “temporary” because these products are not designed to be used as a long-term solution.
Call a Professional
Once you’ve done your best to try to minimize the risk of damage from your leaking roof, it’s time to call in the professionals. Call 281.782.7116 to schedule a complimentary roof inspection.
A professional roofing company will be able to examine your roof and determine whether it’s possible to repair the leak, or if you’ll need more drastic work done, such as a roof replacement. When it comes to your roof, it’s always advisable to not try to cut corners; if work needs doing, holding off to try to save money may end up costing you more in the long run.
If you think you have a roof leak then it’s always best to call the professionals as soon as possible.
We provide both commercial and residential roofing services, including emergency roof repair, as well as roof restoration and replacement. And of course, we can provide roof leak repair too.
